Farm Credit Mid-America has announced the launch of the fifth annual "Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer" contest. The initiative, supported by Rural 1st and involving participation from the Knox County Fair, aims to assist local food banks across Ohio.
According to Farm Credit Mid-America, the contest encourages youth leaders at Ohio county fairs to work with their communities in gathering food donations for local food banks. Participation can vary from fairground gatherings to club-level events. Since its inception in 2021, Knox County alone has collected nearly 1,000 pounds of food. Overall, including contests held in Indiana, more than 950,000 pounds have been donated. This year introduces an option for participants to donate fresh protein from livestock auctions.
"We’re excited to bring this initiative back to Ohio county fairs, and to once again see how young people across the state encourage participation," said Bob Siegel, regional vice president for agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America. Siegel added that Knox County is a community hub and that the contest is an effective way to unite people around a significant cause that benefits those in need locally.
Participating fairs receive a $500 award, while top counties in each of five Ohio regions earn additional prizes: $5,000 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $500 for third place. All funds are directed towards local 4-H programs supporting rural youth development. In 2024, Farm Credit Mid-America and its consumer brand Rural 1st contributed nearly $4.5 million to community programs. This includes $1.7 million allocated for youth, college students, and beginning farmers; $450,000 supporting Ohio agricultural leaders; and $82,000 specifically for Ohio 4-H programs.
"Ultimately," Siegel said according to Farm Credit Mid-America, "the true winners are the communities we serve." He emphasized that the contest aligns with their mission of securing rural communities and agriculture by empowering youth leaders and supporting local food banks assisting families in need.
Farm Credit Mid-America provides loans to farmers and rural residents across Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee. The organization has been operational for over a century as an equal opportunity lender.
